The White Sox started a six-game homestand on Friday night only 3 1/2 games back in the wild-card race. The decision to not deal Samardzija and push forward with the current roster was met with satisfaction by players and the coaching staff.

“We truly believe we can keep this up, and keep playing good baseball and have a chance,” pitcher John Danks said. “But for them to not break us up and not do anything to hinder that means a lot. Now it’s time for us to go play.”

Chris Sale didn’t want to discuss trade talks that could have resulted in a deal that sent away Samardzija. Sale briefly answered a question about his friend and headed for the weight room.

“Same team we had yesterday, we're all smiles,” Sale said.

Manager Robin Ventura predicted Thursday night in Boston he’d have the same team on Friday. He’s happy the group returned, especially given its recent offensive production. Whereas the White Sox offense has slumped all season, the team scored 56 runs on its 7-1 road trip.

“You almost feel the way we’ve played in the last week you’ve already traded for guys,” Ventura said. “These guys are playing in a way that we haven’t seen in the first couple months. But they’ve played and hitting-wise you’ve gotten new guys.”

SportsTalk Live Podcast: Rick Hahn gives an update on the state of the White Sox rebuild

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SportsTalk Live Podcast: Rick Hahn gives an update on the state of the White Sox rebuild

Latest White Sox Talk

In this episode of the SportsTalk Live Podcast, Danny Parkins (670 The Score), Chris Bleck (ESPN 1000) and Scott King (WGN Radio) join David Kaplan on the panel.

Ryan Pace’s offseason begins. Josh Sitton and Jerrell Freeman are gone, but what will he do with Kyle Fuller?

Plus, Rick Hahn joins Kap from Glendale, Ariz., to discuss the state of the White Sox rebuild, how tough it is to keep their best prospects in the minors and why Jose Abreu is so important for his young team?

Listen to the full episode at this link or in the embedded player below:

Latest White Sox Talk

The White Sox three outfield prospects are creating a lot of buzz at spring training.

On this edition of the podcast, Micker Adolfo tells Chuck Garfien about a conversation they all had about one day becoming the starting outfield for the White Sox. Adolfo talks about his longtime friendship with Eloy Jimenez, his impressions of Luis Robert, Luis Basabe and the White Sox future.

But first, it's a conversation with MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez who has great insight on many of the White Sox players: Jimenez, Robert, Yoan Moncada and Jose Abreu. He tells an amazing story about why Jimenez decided to sign with the Cubs when he was a teenager, how much Abreu is revered in Cuba and much more.

Listen to the full episode at this link (iOS users can go here) or in the embedded player below. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts.